Cyber Incident Victim: Bakker Logistiek
Date:
Apr 2021
Location:
Netherlands
Summary
A ransomware attack targeted a major Dutch logistics provider specializing in temperature-controlled warehousing and food distribution, disrupting operations by encrypting devices and halting deliveries. This caused significant shortages of products like prepackaged cheese at supermarkets, notably impacting the country's largest grocery chain. The company restored systems using backups and resumed coordinating deliveries with customers. While the specific threat actor remains unidentified, initial speculation suggested attackers potentially exploited known vulnerabilities in Microsoft Exchange servers to gain access. The incident highlights broader risks to critical supply chain infrastructure, following similar attacks on other temperature-controlled logistics operators globally.
| CIA Posture | Motives | Tactics, Techniques & Procedures |
|---|---|---|
| Available to members | 1 motive | 1 technique |
| Threat Actors | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 0 actors | Available to members | Available to members |
Description
A ransomware attack impacted Bakker Logistiek, a major Dutch provider of conditioned warehousing and food transportation services, around April 5, 2021. The incident encrypted devices across the company's network, severely disrupting its logistics operations critical to supplying perishable goods to supermarkets. Bakker Logistiek's services included temperature-controlled storage and distribution for clients like Albert Heijn, the Netherlands' largest supermarket chain. The operational paralysis prevented timely deliveries of food products, leading to noticeable shortages on store shelves. Albert Heijn publicly acknowledged the supply chain disruption through a website notice, specifically citing limited availability of prepackaged cheese due to the attack. The incident highlighted Bakker Logistiek's essential role in maintaining the cold chain for Dutch food retailers.
Bakker Logistiek initiated recovery efforts by restoring encrypted systems from backups, a process that enabled gradual resumption of delivery coordination with affected customers. Company representative Verhoeven suggested to Dutch media outlet NOS that attackers potentially exploited ProxyLogon vulnerabilities in Microsoft Exchange servers, though no forensic evidence or ransomware group attribution was confirmed. The attack's consequences extended beyond technical systems to tangible supply chain interruptions, mirroring impacts seen in the November 2020 ransomware incident against Americold, another global temperature-controlled logistics operator. Restoration timelines and specific containment measures beyond backup restoration were not detailed in public statements. Operations resumed incrementally following system recovery, mitigating the product shortages that had emerged during the disruption period.